The government of Saudi Arabia is a monarchy. It limits the rulers of the country to the sons and grandsons of the kingdom's founder. The success of the monarchy depends upon the support of the religious leadership and the insular relationships of the royal family, which includes approximately five thousand adult male princes. Some sixty of these are directly involved in contributing to major governmental decisions.
King Fahd is currently the head of the government. The kingdom's ministries and all other government agencies are ultimately responsible to the king. There are no political parties in Saudi Arabia. Local government is broken down into fourteen emirates, each headed by a governor appointed by the king, usually a prince or some other member of the royal household. Village and tribal leaders (sheikhs) must report directly to the provincial governors, which gives the central government some control over outlying regions.
Human rights and equal treatment under the law have become major concerns to Saudi Arabian citizens. Access to the king of Saudi Arabia and the right to petition him are well-established traditions. The king is the highest court of appeal, and he has the power of pardon. There is no constitution. Islamic law prevails in Saudi Arabia; however, justice is also based upon tribal and customary law. Corporal and capital punishment are permitted: An eleven-member Supreme Council of Justice reviews sentences of execution, stoning, or cutting. Although independence of the judiciary is guaranteed by law, courts are subject to influence by members of the royal family.
Ment serious concerns. Serious domestic unrest began at about this same time: The Al-Haram mosque (Great Mosque) in Mecca, the holiest site in the world for Muslims, was seized and occupied by religious extremists for two weeks. Internal unrest continued with rioting by Shiite Muslims in eastern Saudi Arabia.
World History
